Italian giants Juventus are keen to bring Osvaldo back to Serie A, with the
striker serving a suspension at Southampton for butting team-mate Jose Fonte

Juventus are preparing an offer to Southampton for their record signing Pablo Osvaldo, with manager Mauricio Pochettino ready to offload the Italy striker either on loan or permanently.

Osvaldo, who cost £15 million from Roma last summer, has been serving a two-week club suspension for butting Jose Fonte in a training-ground incident and Southampton have made it known that they are open to offers.

No firm bids have been forthcoming but Juventus have signalled their desire to bring Osvaldo back to Serie A. There are serious doubts as to whether Pochettino would be willing to pick Osvaldo again for Southampton and the 28-year-old will be well aware of the need for first-team football if he is to retain his place in the Italy squad for the World Cup.

"He's a good player, an Italian international, who is maybe included in the team that travels to the World Cup,” said Juventus director general Beppe Marotta. “We like Osvaldo and he's liked also by other teams but before buying we must sell.”

Having sanctioned the departures of Danny Fox and Jason Puncheon, Pochettino is determined to resist any late offer for his key players but, in spite of wanting to add a striker, is unlikely to make any signings.